Output Shaft Seal Replacement Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Output Shaft Seal Replacement Question
I'm about to give this a try, thanks to the excellent DIY guides I found here on this subject. I have a question, though, and I hope someone can help me.
The process requires to remove the spindle nut retaining the rear wheel axle shaft to the hub. Here it says that a 33mm deep-socket is needed for that, while here it says it is a 36mm...
So I don't know, maybe the spindle nut is not the same for all C5's... Mine is a 2003 coupe, does anybody know which one I need to buy?
Thanks in advance for your help.
The process requires to remove the spindle nut retaining the rear wheel axle shaft to the hub. Here it says that a 33mm deep-socket is needed for that, while here it says it is a 36mm...
So I don't know, maybe the spindle nut is not the same for all C5's... Mine is a 2003 coupe, does anybody know which one I need to buy?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
You should be fine with a 33mm., 6 pt.
Spindle nut should all be the same on C/5's.
I used a 34mm 6 pt, when I removed mine & it was a frog hair (1mm) too big, but worked just fine.
Good luck.
Spindle nut should all be the same on C/5's.
I used a 34mm 6 pt, when I removed mine & it was a frog hair (1mm) too big, but worked just fine.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
I didn't think it was going to be so difficult to find a 33mm 6pt ½dr deep socket!
I went to Sears thinking of getting a Craftsman socket, but no luck... I was told they don't have it. After unsuccessfully checking out a couple of local Auto Parts stores, I got online and located it in Northern Tool
(click here). Thinking that it would be just a trip to the store (their website doesn't say otherwise), I got in the car once more to find out that the largest 6pt ½dr deep socket they have in the store is 18mm!!! 
I had to order it online and wait for it to come via UPS, so I had to postpone the project for next weekend.
Well, I ended up being "forced" to lit up a cigar and to empty a couple of beers 
I went to Sears thinking of getting a Craftsman socket, but no luck... I was told they don't have it. After unsuccessfully checking out a couple of local Auto Parts stores, I got online and located it in Northern Tool
(click here). Thinking that it would be just a trip to the store (their website doesn't say otherwise), I got in the car once more to find out that the largest 6pt ½dr deep socket they have in the store is 18mm!!! I had to order it online and wait for it to come via UPS, so I had to postpone the project for next weekend.
Well, I ended up being "forced" to lit up a cigar and to empty a couple of beers
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Most auto parts stores, such as Auto Zone,Auto One, etc that sells the complete axle assemblies w/boots & joints attached, also sell/rents the large socket (33mm) to do the job of axle replacements.
That's where I bought mine.
When you tighten down that axle nut, don't over tighten & be sure to use a torque wrench, to be sure that you don't over tighten.
There was a bulletin out a while back about the axle breaking in the area of where the nut sets on the axle shaft. The bulletin went on to explain that it was thought to be from over tightening of the axle nut.
Enjoy your cigar & beer.
Good luck.
That's where I bought mine.
When you tighten down that axle nut, don't over tighten & be sure to use a torque wrench, to be sure that you don't over tighten.
There was a bulletin out a while back about the axle breaking in the area of where the nut sets on the axle shaft. The bulletin went on to explain that it was thought to be from over tightening of the axle nut.
Enjoy your cigar & beer.
Good luck.
Last edited by bumble-z; Aug 22, 2011 at 12:47 PM.
